Dogs Are Not Meant To Live Outdoors

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Some homes do see dogs as members of the family. In fact, they believe that dogs are not supposed to be seen anywhere within the home apart from being outside. Recuses and animal groups have been warning against the idea of letting dogs live outside, however, this has remained a constant practice in several homes today.

Sadly, thousands of dogs still live their lives outside the home (outdoors) even during extreme weather because they are not regarded as family members. Apart from the harsh weather, there are many reasons why restricting dogs from living indoors all through the year is unhealthy and unkind.

According to Rob Halpin, Dogs are confined to a life of loneliness and frustration whenever they are kept outside to live on their own. Even as social animals, dogs do not live in packs like their ancestors and cousins – the wolves. These animals (wolves) virtually do everything together such as hunting, sleeping, playing etc. But these characteristics are rarely found in dogs because they enjoy our company.

By forcing dogs to live outside the home, you are not only depriving them of human companionship but crippling their natural desires which is another form of animal cruelty. Although, no dog is expected to live his whole life outdoors, some dogs would rather prefer to spend quality time outside especially those in rural areas.

However, a veterinary doctor in New York City, Dr. Rob Proietto said that it is very important for the dog owner to know when their pups need shelter and join the family. Dogs have tendencies to overheat very quickly during warm weather climates while, in cold weather, they are at risk of getting hypothermia.

Dogs are domestic animals – their safety and comfort are provided by humans. There is hardly any dog that is capable of living outdoors full-time.

Adam Goldberg recalled the story of a rescued 3-year-old pit bull, Hope who has never witnessed life within the home because she had spent most of her years living outside. As a result, of sleeping on hard surfaces (e.g. concrete), her elbows and joints were covered with rough callouses.

Upon arrival at the Broward Country facility, Hope had to be taught the normal principles of life in a home through which she learnt how to sleep on a warm bed with her family and stopped stealing from the garbage. Today, she is growing strong and healthy with an improved skin and soft callouses.